29th Annual Government Roundtable
“Walking steadily across a tightrope of uncertainty”
Economist Impact and Hazlis & Rivas have great pleasure in announcing the organisation of the 29th Annual Economist Government Roundtable.
This year’s theme “Walking steadily across a tightrope of uncertainty” aims to provide a unique platform for luminaries and forward thinkers from both sides of the Atlantic to come together for an in-depth, meaningful conversation on the global political, economic and business trends that will be shaping the world in the months to come.
The new US administration has begun negotiations to end the war in Gaza and in Ukraine. Will President Trump succeed in bringing the interested parties to the table for a fair negotiation? What will the implications be for the countries in the region? During the months ahead, there is no doubt that we shall bear witness to the critical developments in the geopolitical landscape, international trade and the impact of tariffs, climate cooperation as well as US relations with Europe and Asia.
The outcome of the two wars, NATO’s future strategy and Europe’s political and economic future are but a few of the crucial topics to be covered during the forthcoming three-day Government Roundtable in Athens.
Central Banks monetary policies will be watched closely while significant challenges for the environment will remain. AI and technology shall take the lead in areas such as security, bioethics, democracy and employment.
The Annual Economist Government Roundtable in Greece –which has been established as an institution for the past 29 years, shall discuss Europe’s future, geopolitics including foreign policy and defence, energy, AI and technology, sustainability, investment, health, banking and finance. Sessions will also be dedicated to Greece’s performance and the country’s role in the wider region.
Heads of state, thought leaders, nobel laureates and prominent personalities from around the world including the Greek government and opposition shall take part in its proceedings.

Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences (2024), Institute professor of economics
Chief executive
Consultant editor
Affiliate professor of finance and energy management, Alba Graduate Business School, ACG & director
Journalist, author and historian (via connection)
Head of the Economics Office of the prime minister of Greece
Vice-president of EMEA-digital business
Chief executive
As the world has entered an era of intense changes, the conference chairs highlight the prospects for sustainable peace in eastern Europe and the Middle East and also focus on protectionism and transactional foreign policy. Do we have a new global paradigm? Is it viable?
Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist
Joan Hoey, editor of the Democracy Index and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence
John Andrews, consultant editor, The Economist
It’s not normal for the world to simply have a unipolar power, according to Marco Rubio, US secretary of state. This session examines issues of global governance and transatlantic relations, also questioning whether Europe will take decisive steps towards strategic autonomy.
Constantine An. Tassoulas, president of the Hellenic Republic
Chaired by:
Joan Hoey, editor of the Democracy Index and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence
As Europe stands at a crossroads, south-east Europe emerges as a key driver for the continent’s next chapter. This session explores the critical steps needed for deeper EU integration, strategies for strengthening democracy and the building of cohesive societies. It will assess how south-east European nations can advance reforms that promote peace, stability and prosperity — shaping not only their own future but that of Europe as a whole.
Annita Demetriou, president, Cypriot House of Representatives
Dora Bakoyannis, MP, chair, Parliamentary Standing Committee on National Defence and Foreign Affairs, former minister of foreign affairs of Greece
Chaired by:
Joan Hoey, editor of the Democracy Index and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence
The change of leadership in the US and Donald Trump’s approach to Russia have created a new landscape not only regarding the war itself but also the broader transatlantic security framework. What can the people of Ukraine expect under the current circumstances? What role is European solidarity expected to play in the country’s future?
Oleksii Sobolev, first deputy minister of economy, Government of Ukraine (via connection)
Chaired by:
Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist
The effectiveness of asylum granting, co-operation with third countries and the co-ordination of EU member states for the distribution of migration flows are of concern to European governments. This session will explore the best practices that the EU should adopt in managing migration, also taking into account the demographic needs of the “Old Continent”.
Magnus Brunner, commissioner for internal affairs and migration, European Commission
Thanos Plevris, minister of immigration and asylum, Government of Greece
Chaired by:
John Andrews, consultant editor, The Economist
Europe must profoundly re-focus its collective efforts to close the innovation gap with the US and China, especially in advanced technologies, according to the Draghi report on EU competitiveness. This session will highlight policies that can change this and will examine how politicians, institutions and businesses can collaborate within this context.
Mario Draghi, former prime minister of Italy, former president of the European Central Bank (ECB)
The business perspective:
Evangelos Mytilineos, chairman and chief executive, Metlen Energy & Metals, president, Eurometaux (European Metals Association)
Chaired by:
Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist
Anne Applebaum to explore and discuss the real motivations behind the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the mistakes of the West that did not prevent the war, and the new reality shaping the future of European security in the Donald Trump era.
Anne Applebaum, journalist, author and historian (via connection)
Chaired by:
Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist
In view of the developments in US foreign and trade policy this session discusses how transatlantic relations are evolving. What will be the impact on the eastern Mediterranean region? What does the new US administration’s agenda signify for global trade, investment and energy security? The session shall also address the growing influence of China and Russia in the global economic and technological landscape and the implications for Europe’s strategic autonomy, sovereignty and economic resilience.
Mike Pompeo, 70th US secretary of state
The business perspective:
Joakim Reiter, chief external and corporate affairs officer, Vodafone Group
Chaired by:
Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist
The Gaza war, the Israel-Iran conflict, and the developments in Syria, among others, are constantly reshaping the political and security landscape in a wider region, directly affecting EU’s strategy and interests. How do these developments interact with the new framework of transatlantic relations under Donald Trump’s administration? Apart from the tough challenges, are there any opportunities to deepen co-operation and foster peace and stability?
George Gerapetritis, minister of foreign affairs, Government of Greece
Annalena Baerbock, former foreign minister of Germany, president-elect (incoming) of the 80th Assembly, United Nations
Chaired by:
John Andrews, consultant editor, The Economist
All NATO member countries should spend 5% of their GDP on defence, according to the US president, Donald Trump. Will America step aside from its commitment to transatlantic security? Are we moving towards a radically different Euro-Atlantic security architecture? At the same time, how should NATO evolve in the face of new threats? Is the EU determined to upgrade its defence industry?
The Economist in dialogue with:
Nikolaos Dendias, minister of national defence, Government of Greece
Chaired by:
Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist
All NATO member countries should spend 5% of their GDP on defence, according to the US president, Donald Trump. Will America step aside from its commitment to transatlantic security? Are we moving towards a radically different Euro-Atlantic security architecture? At the same time, how should NATO evolve in the face of new threats? Is the EU determined to upgrade its defence industry?
The Economist in dialogue with:
Radmila Shekerinska, deputy secretary-general, NATO
Sir Patrick Sanders, general, former chief of the general staff, UK, chairman of Herminius Strategic Intelligence
Chaired by:
Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist
The latest developments in the Middle East, the realignments in Syria and the dynamics of the new US foreign policy will be at the centre of this session. The discussion will also include an overview of the trajectory of Greek-Turkish relations and the geopolitics of the eastern Mediterranean.
Ahmet Davutoğlu, former prime minister of Turkey
Dimitris Avramopoulos, former European commissioner for migration, home affairs and citizenship, former minister of foreign affairs of Greece
Chaired by:
Joan Hoey, editor of the Democracy Index and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence
How does the Trump administration's trade and foreign policies affect the global geopolitical landscape? Which trends are likely to gain momentum and which not? Is there a predictable equilibrium ahead?
Hryhoriy Nemyria, first deputy chairman, Foreign Affairs Committee, Parliament of Ukraine, former deputy prime minister, Government of Ukraine
David Harris, former chief executive, American Jewish Committee, executive vice-chair, Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP)
John Sitilides, senior fellow for national security, Foreign Policy Research Institute, fmr diplomacy consultant, US Department of State (2006-23), geopolitical strategist, Trilogy Advisors
Chaired by:
John Andrews, consultant editor, The Economist
The rise of the populist right is seen by some as a symptom of social inequalities in Europe. The economic pressure on the middle class –the backbone of social cohesion– remains at the heart of the debate, a fact that raises questions about the growth model that European governments should follow.
Martin Schulz, former president of the European Parliament
Pierre Moscovici, first president, French Cour des Comptes, former European commissioner
Anna Diamantopoulou, president of DIKTIO – Network for Reform in Greece and Europe, former European commissioner for employment, social affairs and equal opportunities
Chaired by:
John Andrews, consultant editor, The Economist

PART I
Democracy at a crossroads?
The rise of authoritarian leaders in a world of major economic, geopolitical, and technological upheaval seems to pose a threat to democracy. What are the underlying factors for the decline of democracy? What should liberal and progressive political forces redefine in their relationship with citizens?
Stephen Fry, actor, broadcaster, author
Geoffrey Robertson KC, founding head, Doughty Street Chambers
PART II
The significance of soft power diplomacy in strengthening cultural relations
How can cultural diplomacy play a pivotal role in the midst of the current changing geopolitical order? Can the return of the Parthenon Sculptures serve as a paradigm of international collaboration based on shared values? We shall discuss the obstacles and opportunities for Greece and the UK as they try to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Melissa Lefas, board member, Parthenon Project
Chaired by:
Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist
Geopolitical conflicts have complicated the path towards decarbonisation and the much-needed international co-operation in energy. What is the role of SE Europe’s energy corridors and of the eastern Mediterranean’s energy resources? How is the green transition evolving in Europe and Greece? How can Europe enhance its collaboration with its neighbours to increase its energy security? Which business partnerships may turn challenges into opportunities?
Stavros Papastavrou, minister for environment and energy, Government of Greece
George Papanastasiou, minister of energy, commerce and industry, Government of Cyprus
Dorin Junghietu, minister of energy, Government of Moldova
Orkhan Zeynalov, deputy minister of energy, Government of Azerbaijan
Iva Petrova, deputy minister of energy, Government of Bulgaria
Geoffrey Pyatt, former assistant secretary of state for energy, US Department of State, former US Ambassador to Greece
Osama Mobarez, secretary-general, East Mediterranean Gas Forum
In dialogue with business:
Dan Stratan, chief executive and founder, RCI holding, Romania
Andreas Shiamishis, chief executive, HELLENiQ ENERGY
Fabrizio Mattana, chief executive, IGI Poseidon
Maria Rita Galli, chief executive, DESFA
Notis Sardelas, managing partner, Sardelas Petsa Law Firm
Chaired by:
Joan Hoey, editor of the Democracy Index and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence
Scientists and environmental activists worry that the Paris Agreement’s climate goals can no longer be achieved. If so, what are the alternatives? What needs to change in the strategy of governments and institutions to keep up with the demands of the climate crisis? The panel will focus, among other topics, on the benefits of the circular economy.
Alexandra Sdoukou, chair, EmpowerMed Women, EMGF, spokesperson, New Democracy
Sir David King, fmr permanent special representative for climate change, chair, Climate Crisis Advisory Group, UK
In dialogue with business:
Dimitris Chanis, chief executive, HERACLES Group, member of Holcim
Aristotelis Chantavas, chief executive, Principia, president, SolarPower Europe
Kostas Andriosopoulos, affiliate professor of finance and energy management, Alba Graduate Business School, ACG & director of the HELLENiQ Energy Center for Sustainability and Energy @Alba
Co-chaired by:
John Andrews, consultant editor, The Economist
Andreas Papandreou, professor, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, co-chair UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network Greece (SDSN Greece)
As the US-China struggle for tech supremacy intensifies, Europe aims to become more competitive in the field of digital disruption and AI. At the same time, agentic AI (the artificial intelligence capable of making autonomous decisions and taking actions based on its analysis) has raised much discussion on both the benefits and challenges that come with it.
Francis Fukuyama, senior fellow, Centre on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, Stanford University
Dimitris Papastergiou, minister of digital governance, Government of Greece
In dialogue with business:
Sudhanshu Asthana, vice-president of EMEA-digital business, Iron Mountain
Georgios Sioufas, managing partner, Sioufas & Associates Law Firm
Alexandros Bregiannis, chief executive, Nova ICT
Alexandros Manos, chief executive, Netcompany SEE & EUI
Effie Presvia, general manager, information & technology, PPC
Bill Karnazes, CSO & GM of corporate services, Viohalco companies
Chaired by:
John Andrews, consultant editor, The Economist
“High energy costs in Europe are an obstacle to growth, while lack of generation and grid capacity could impede the spread of digital tech and transport electrification,” notes Mario Draghi’s report on EU competitiveness. Where does Greece stand within this context? What does it mean for the country’s renewable energy strategy and the development of its electricity network? Is the Greek energy market sustainably regulated?
Alexandra Sdoukou, chair, EmpowerMed Women, EMGF, spokesperson, New Democracy
Kristian Ruby, secretary-general, Eurelectric
In dialogue with business:
Manos Manousakis, chairman & chief executive, Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO)
Antonis Metaxas, managing partner, Metaxas & Associates Law Firm
Chaired by:
Joan Hoey, editor of the Democracy Index and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence
The gradual dominance of emerging technologies has shaped a trend of thought according to which we need to transcend the typical limits of our species to respond to our world’s new demands (mental and physical abilities). This session highlights the ongoing debate on whether human enhancement should be welcomed or feared.
Stathis Kalyvas, Gladstone professor of government and fellow of All Souls College, University of Oxford
Theofanis Tasis, lecturer of contemporary philosophy, Alpen-Adria University, Austria
Sophia Efstathiou, professor of ethics, The American College of Greece
Andreas Petropoulos, chief executive, iKnowHealth
Chaired by:
John Andrews, consultant editor, The Economist
This session focuses on the efforts and aspirations of two young inventors and entrepreneurs in the field of farming. GreenWave is an innovative system that translates plants’ needs based on their ultrasounds into useful information for farmers.
Yiannis Thimianidis, co-founder of GreenWave, Forbes “30 under 30” list for 2025
Nefeli Zikou, co-founder of GreenWave, Forbes “30 under 30” list for 2025 (via connection)
Sofia Zacharaki, minister of education, religious affairs and sports, Government of Greece
Chaired by:
Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist
The Economist in dialogue with:
John Koudounis, president and chief executive, Calamos Investments
Dean Metropoulos, chairman and chief executive, Metropoulos & Co.
Chaired by:
John Andrews, consultant editor, The Economist
The business environment is the catalyst for investment and growth. EU countries have implemented significant reforms overcoming successive crises. However, the competitiveness deficit remains a challenge for Europe which is now faced with a trade war scenery. Furthermore, Greece has implemented significant reforms, although it started from a low base due to the multi-year crisis. The next steps in facilitating business will determine future GDP growth rates.
Takis Theodorikakos, minister of development, Government of Greece
Doina Nistor, deputy prime minister and minister of economic development and digitalisation, Government of Moldova
Michał Baranowski, undersecretary of state, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, Government of Poland (via connection)
Andreas Fiorentinos, secretary-general, Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO)
Chaired by:
Joan Hoey, editor of the Democracy Index and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence

The global economy: Tariffs without borders?
As the new American administration moves to impose tariffs on the EU and China, concerns are mounting on what an escalating trade war could mean for the global economy. Are we heading towards a situation in which protectionism will become the norm and free trade will be marginalised?
Greece and the global tightrope
A country at the core of the European Union and a key player in the Eastern Mediterranean, Greece has to position its foreign policy within the emerging new dynamics of global security, and its economic policy against the backdrop of trade tensions. How will it maintain a steady balance?
A fireside chat with:
Guests of honour and keynote speakers
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, prime minister of Greece
Daron Acemoglu, Institute professor of economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences (2024)
Chaired by:
Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist
The Greek economy is growing steadily at a rate above the euro zone average. However, there is significant room for improvement in terms of investment and purchasing power. What is the path forward?
Joan Hoey, editor of the Democracy Index and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence
Michael Arghyrou, head of the economics office of the prime minister of Greece
George Pagoulatos, ambassador of Greece to the OECD
Giovanni Callegari, head of economic risk analysis and country team co-ordinator for Greece, ESM
Theodore Skylakakis, former alternate minister of finance responsible for fiscal policy, MP, New Democracy
Chaired by:
John Papageorgiou, journalist, EU affairs reporter, Athens Municipal Radio, founder and head, Athens Digest
This session will focus on the significant developments regarding investment in Greece and the broader region as well as the reforms that unleash competition and innovation, including the challenges that businesses and potential investors face.
Nikos Papathanasis, alternate minister of national economy & finance, Government of Greece
Michael Jacobides, Sir Donald Gordon professor of entrepreneurship and innovation,
professor of strategy, London Business School
Colin Ellis, global credit strategist, Moody’s Investors Service
Stefanos Agiasoglou, chief executive, Public Road Transport
Dimitris Primpas, general manager, IBM Greece & Cyprus
Stefan Kraus, chief operating officer, member of the executive committee, Henley & Partners
Chaired by:
Joan Hoey, editor of the Democracy Index and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence
Cryptocurrency and blockchain are gaining ground in the world of fintech. Transactions are becoming increasingly digital –and increasingly complex– creating both opportunities and risks. This panel will assess the real-world value of an invisible technology. Is it worth the hype? Investors and fintech leaders will share their insight.
Roundtable discussion:
Jürgen Schaaf, adviser, market infrastructure & payments department, European Central Bank (ECB)
Gregory Dellas, group chief compliance and risk officer, ECOMMBX, chair, ACAMS Cyprus Chapter
Chaired by:
John Andrews, consultant editor, The Economist
This session will focus on the reduction of fragmentation, attraction of investments and acceleration of growth, and will further discuss the deepening of European capital markets and the role of the banks and business within the new scheme.
Enrico Letta, EU rapporteur on the future of the single market, president, Jacques Delors Institute, former prime minister of Italy
Gikas Hardouvelis, chairman, Hellenic Bank Association, chairman of the BoD, National Βank of Greece
Chaired by:
John Andrews, consultant editor, The Economist
Considered the largest urban regeneration project in Europe, the Ellinikon project has raised expectations regarding its decisive contribution to the residential, economic, environmental and aesthetic revitalisation of Athens. How is the project progressing so far? What are the challenges?
Odisseas Athanasiou, chief executive, LAMDA Development
Chaired by:
Daniel Franklin, executive editor and senior editor, Britain, The Economist
What are the biggest challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry in Greece and Europe today? How can the pharmaceutical industry improve patients access to treatments and also contribute to the upgrade of public health care?
Adonis Georgiadis, minister of health, Government of Greece
Theodore Tryfon, president, PanHellenic Union of Pharmaceutical Industry (PEF), BoD member, Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), BoD executive member, Medicines for Europe
Vassilis Kontozamanis, former alternate minister of health, member of the management board, European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA)
Dimitrios Demos, president & chief executive, DEMO, vice-president, PanHellenic Union of Pharmaceutical Industry (PEF)
Chaired by:
Costas Papachlimintzos, journalist, ERT
As global competition for investment in life sciences intensifies, Europe risks falling behind in research, innovation, and clinical development (European Commission, 2025). This session will explore how Greece can position itself as a dynamic and competitive destination for investment in innovative life sciences, such as clinical trials.
Marios Themistocleous, deputy minister of health, Government of Greece
Panos Kanavos, associate professor of international health policy, deputy director at LSE Health, London School of Economics (via connection)
Ilona Torontali, global head pharma pricing and reimbursement, Roche
Chaired by:
John Andrews, consultant editor, The Economist
Donald Trump’s tariffs and his recent claims over the Panama Canal underline that we have entered a new era in global maritime transport. The US-China competition is escalating and the commitment to free trade has been dealt severe blows. Where does Greek shipping stand within this context?
Harry Theoharis, deputy minister of foreign affairs, Government of Greece
George Tsavliris, principal, Tsavliris Salvage Group
Antonio Taquis, chief executive and owner, Panama Shipping Agency & Services, former ambassador of Panama to Greece, Cyprus and Ukraine
Chaired by:
Joan Hoey, editor of the Democracy Index and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence
The Greek economy continues to outperform the euro zone average in terms of growth rate. However, there is much concern about the rise of protectionism and geopolitical turmoil. This session will discuss the prospects for the Greek economy within the European framework, Greece’s fiscal sustainability and the country’s ability to press on with investment-friendly reforms.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis, minister of economy and finance, Greece
Alfred Kammer, director, European Department, International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Pavlos Mylonas, chief executive, National Bank of Greece
Chaired by:
Joan Hoey, editor of the Democracy Index and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence
€1.800 tax/VAT excl.
€2.200 tax/VAT excl.
€7.500 tax/VAT excl./ table (8 seats)
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